1
|
Jakwerth CA, Grass V, Erb A, Pichlmair A, Boonen G, Butterweck V, Schmidt-Weber CB. Inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication by Petasites hybridus CO2-extract (Ze 339). Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115959. [PMID: 38061134 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intensified search for low-threshold herbal anti-viral drugs would be of great advantage in prevention of early stages of infection. Since the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant has prevailed in western countries, the course has only been mild, but there are still no widely available drugs that can alleviate or shorten disease progression and counteract the development of Long-COVID. This study aimed to investigate the antiviral effects of a CO2-extract from Petasites hybridus (Ze 339). METHODS We analyzed the infection and replication rate of SARS-CoV-2 in primary normal human bronchial epithelial cells (NHBEs) using a GFP-expressing version of the wild-type SARS-CoV-2 virus and live cell imaging. Upon infection with a clinical isolate of the Omicron variant, viral RNA content was quantified, and plaque assays were performed. In addition, the human transcriptome was analyzed after 4- and 24-hours post infection using whole genome microarrays. RESULTS Ze 339 had a protective effect on primary airway epithelial cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection and impeded SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication in NHBE. Notably, Ze 339 inhibited the expression of infection-induced IFNA10 by 8.6-fold (p < 0.05) and additionally reduced a wide range of other interferons (IFNA6, IFNA7, IFNA8, IFNA21, IFNE, IFNW1). CONCLUSION Thereby, Ze 339 attenuated epithelial infection by SARS-CoV-2 and modeled the IFN response. In conclusion, this study highlights Ze 339 as a potential treatment option for COVID-19 that limits infection-associated cell intrinsic immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constanze A Jakwerth
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical Universität and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany.
| | - Vincent Grass
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Erb
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical Universität and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| | - Andreas Pichlmair
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Institute of Virology, Munich, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Boonen
- Medical Department, Max Zeller Soehne AG, Romanshorn, Switzerland
| | | | - Carsten B Schmidt-Weber
- Center of Allergy and Environment (ZAUM), Technical Universität and Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Brindani N, Munafò F, Menichetti A, Donati E, Nigro M, Ottonello G, Armirotti A, De Vivo M. Design, synthesis, docking, and biochemical characterization of non-nucleoside SARS-CoV-2 RdRp inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2023; 80:117179. [PMID: 36716583 PMCID: PMC9862713 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2023.117179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a worldwide pandemic. The identification of effective antiviral drugs remains an urgent medical need. In this context, here we report 17 new 1,4-benzopyrone derivatives, which have been designed, synthesized, and characterized for their ability to block the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) enzyme, a promising target for antiviral drug discovery. This compound series represents a good starting point for developing non-nucleoside inhibitors of RdRp. Compounds 4, 5, and 8 were the most promising drug-like candidates with good potency in inhibiting RdRp, improved in vitro pharmacokinetics compared to the initial hits, and no cytotoxicity effects on normal cell (HEK-293). Compound 8 (ARN25592) stands out as the most promising inhibitor. Our results indicate that this new chemical class of 1,4-benzopyrone derivatives deserves further exploration towards novel and potent antiviral drugs for the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicoletta Brindani
- Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Federico Munafò
- Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Menichetti
- Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Donati
- Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Nigro
- Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Giuliana Ottonello
- Analytical Chemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Andrea Armirotti
- Analytical Chemistry, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy
| | - Marco De Vivo
- Molecular Modeling and Drug Discovery Lab, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, via Morego 30, 16163 Genova, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wu Z, Han Z, Liu B, Shen N. Remdesivir in treating hospitalized patients with COVID-19: A renewed review of clinical trials. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:971890. [PMID: 36160434 PMCID: PMC9493488 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.971890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Since December 2019, COVID-19 has spread across the world almost through 2.5 years. As of 16 June 2022, the cumulative number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide has reached 542.62 million, and the death toll has risen to 6.33 million. With the increasing number of deaths, it is urgent to find effective treatment drugs. Remdesivir, an investigational broad-spectrum antiviral drug produced by Gilead has been shown to inhibit SARS-CoV-2, in vitro and in vivo. This review is aimed to analyze the feasibility of remdesivir in COVID-19 and put forward the shortcomings of present clinical studies. We systematically searched PubMed and Web of Science up until 24 May 2022, using several specific terms such as “remdesivir” or “GS-5734” and “COVID-19” or “SARS-CoV-2” and retrieved basic researches and clinical studies of remdesivir in COVID-19. In this review, we summarized and reviewed the mechanism of remdesivir in SARS-COV-2, clinical trials of using remdesivir in COVID-19, analyzed the efficacy and safety of remdesivir, and judged whether the drug was effective for the treatment of COVID-19. In different clinical trials, remdesivir showed a mixed result in the treatment of COVID-19. It seemed that remdesivir shortened the time to recovery and had an acceptable safety profile. However, more clinical trials are needed to test the efficacy and safety of remdesivir.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenchao Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifei Han
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- School of Basic and Clinical Medicine, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Beibei Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Beibei Liu, ; Ning Shen,
| | - Ning Shen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Beibei Liu, ; Ning Shen,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang AQ, Hagen NR, Padilha EC, Yang M, Shah P, Chen CZ, Huang W, Terse P, Sanderson P, Zheng W, Xu X. Preclinical Pharmacokinetics and In Vitro Properties of GS-441524, a Potential Oral Drug Candidate for COVID-19 Treatment. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:918083. [PMID: 36052127 PMCID: PMC9424906 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.918083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical pharmacokinetics (PK) and In Vitro ADME properties of GS-441524, a potential oral agent for the treatment of Covid-19, were studied. GS-441524 was stable in vitro in liver microsomes, cytosols, and hepatocytes of mice, rats, monkeys, dogs, and humans. The plasma free fractions of GS-441524 were 62-78% across all studied species. The in vitro transporter study results showed that GS-441524 was a substrate of MDR1, BCRP, CNT3, ENT1, and ENT2; but not a substrate of CNT1, CNT2, and ENT4. GS-441524 had a low to moderate plasma clearance (CLp), ranging from 4.1 mL/min/kg in dogs to 26 mL/min/kg in mice; the steady state volume distribution (Vdss) ranged from 0.9 L/kg in dogs to 2.4 L/kg in mice after IV administration. Urinary excretion appeared to be the major elimination process for GS-441524. Following oral administration, the oral bioavailability was 8.3% in monkeys, 33% in rats, 39% in mice, and 85% in dogs. The PK and ADME properties of GS-441524 support its further development as an oral drug candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Q. Wang
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xin Xu
- Division of Preclinical Innovation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Merches K, Breunig L, Fender J, Brand T, Bätz V, Idel S, Kollipara L, Reinders Y, Sickmann A, Mally A, Lorenz K. The potential of remdesivir to affect function, metabolism and proliferation of cardiac and kidney cells in vitro. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2341-2360. [PMID: 35579693 PMCID: PMC9110936 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03306-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Remdesivir is a prodrug of a nucleoside analog and the first antiviral therapeutic approved for coronavirus disease. Recent cardiac safety concerns and reports on remdesivir-related acute kidney injury call for a better characterization of remdesivir toxicity and understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Here, we performed an in vitro toxicity assessment of remdesivir around clinically relevant concentrations (Cmax 9 µM) using H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts, neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes (NMCM), rat NRK-52E and human RPTEC/TERT1 cells as cell models for the assessment of cardiotoxicity or nephrotoxicity, respectively. Due to the known potential of nucleoside analogs for the induction of mitochondrial toxicity, we assessed mitochondrial function in response to remdesivir treatment, early proteomic changes in NMCM and RPTEC/TERT1 cells and the contractile function of NMCM. Short-term treatments (24 h) of H9c2 and NRK-52E cells with remdesivir adversely affected cell viability by inhibition of proliferation as determined by significantly decreased 3H-thymidine uptake. Mitochondrial toxicity of remdesivir (1.6–3.1 µM) in cardiac cells was evident by a significant decrease in oxygen consumption, a collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and an increase in lactate secretion after a 24–48-h treatment. This was supported by early proteomic changes of respiratory chain proteins and intermediate filaments that are typically involved in mitochondrial reorganization. Functionally, an impedance-based analysis showed that remdesivir (6.25 µM) affected the beat rate and contractility of NMCM. In conclusion, we identified adverse effects of remdesivir in cardiac and kidney cells at clinically relevant concentrations, suggesting a careful evaluation of therapeutic use in patients at risk for cardiovascular or kidney disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katja Merches
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Landesamt für Gesundheit und Lebensmittelsicherheit (LGL), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Leonie Breunig
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Julia Fender
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Brand
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Bätz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Idel
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | | | - Yvonne Reinders
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany
| | - Albert Sickmann
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany.,Department of Chemistry, College of Physical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.,Medizinische Fakultät, Medizinisches Proteom-Center (MPC), Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Angela Mally
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Lorenz
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany. .,Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften-ISAS-e.V., Dortmund, Germany. .,PGS Toxicology and Environmental Protection, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 28, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Strohl WR, Ku Z, An Z, Carroll SF, Keyt BA, Strohl LM. Passive Immunotherapy Against SARS-CoV-2: From Plasma-Based Therapy to Single Potent Antibodies in the Race to Stay Ahead of the Variants. BioDrugs 2022; 36:231-323. [PMID: 35476216 PMCID: PMC9043892 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-022-00529-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is now approaching 2 years old, with more than 440 million people infected and nearly six million dead worldwide, making it the most significant pandemic since the 1918 influenza pandemic. The severity and significance of SARS-CoV-2 was recognized immediately upon discovery, leading to innumerable companies and institutes designing and generating vaccines and therapeutic antibodies literally as soon as recombinant SARS-CoV-2 spike protein sequence was available. Within months of the pandemic start, several antibodies had been generated, tested, and moved into clinical trials, including Eli Lilly's bamlanivimab and etesevimab, Regeneron's mixture of imdevimab and casirivimab, Vir's sotrovimab, Celltrion's regdanvimab, and Lilly's bebtelovimab. These antibodies all have now received at least Emergency Use Authorizations (EUAs) and some have received full approval in select countries. To date, more than three dozen antibodies or antibody combinations have been forwarded into clinical trials. These antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 all target the receptor-binding domain (RBD), with some blocking the ability of the RBD to bind human ACE2, while others bind core regions of the RBD to modulate spike stability or ability to fuse to host cell membranes. While these antibodies were being discovered and developed, new variants of SARS-CoV-2 have cropped up in real time, altering the antibody landscape on a moving basis. Over the past year, the search has widened to find antibodies capable of neutralizing the wide array of variants that have arisen, including Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, and Omicron. The recent rise and dominance of the Omicron family of variants, including the rather disparate BA.1 and BA.2 variants, demonstrate the need to continue to find new approaches to neutralize the rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus. This review highlights both convalescent plasma- and polyclonal antibody-based approaches as well as the top approximately 50 antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, their epitopes, their ability to bind to SARS-CoV-2 variants, and how they are delivered. New approaches to antibody constructs, including single domain antibodies, bispecific antibodies, IgA- and IgM-based antibodies, and modified ACE2-Fc fusion proteins, are also described. Finally, antibodies being developed for palliative care of COVID-19 disease, including the ramifications of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), are described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhiqiang Ku
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, The University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Edwards AM, Baric RS, Saphire EO, Ulmer JB. Stopping pandemics before they start: Lessons learned from SARS-CoV-2. Science 2022; 375:1133-1139. [PMID: 35271333 DOI: 10.1126/science.abn1900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The vaccine and drug discovery responses to COVID-19 have worked far better than could have been imagined. Yet by the end of 2021, more than 5 million people had died, and the pandemic continues to evolve and rage globally. This Review will describe how each of the vaccines, antibody therapies, and antiviral drugs that have been approved to date were built on decades of investment in technology and basic science. We will caution that the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has so far proven a straightforward test of our pandemic preparedness, and we will recommend steps we should undertake now to prepare for, to minimize the effects of, and ideally to prevent future pandemics. Other Reviews in this series describe the interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with the immune system and those therapies that target the host response to infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aled M Edwards
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ralph S Baric
- Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative (READDI), Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Erica Ollmann Saphire
- Center for Infectious Disease and Vaccine Research, La Jolla Institute for Immunology, 9420 Athena Circle, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Jeffrey B Ulmer
- TechImmune, Newport Beach, CA 92660, USA.,Immorna Biotherapeutics, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abdelnabi R, Foo CS, Jochmans D, Vangeel L, De Jonghe S, Augustijns P, Mols R, Weynand B, Wattanakul T, Hoglund RM, Tarning J, Mowbray CE, Sjö P, Escudié F, Scandale I, Chatelain E, Neyts J. The oral protease inhibitor (PF-07321332) protects Syrian hamsters against infection with SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern. Nat Commun 2022; 13:719. [PMID: 35169114 PMCID: PMC8847371 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-28354-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for potent and selective antivirals against SARS-CoV-2. Pfizer developed PF-07321332 (PF-332), a potent inhibitor of the viral main protease (Mpro, 3CLpro) that can be dosed orally and that is in clinical development. We here report that PF-332 exerts equipotent in vitro activity against the four SARS-CoV-2 variants of concerns (VoC) and that it can completely arrest replication of the alpha variant in primary human airway epithelial cells grown at the air-liquid interface. Treatment of Syrian Golden hamsters with PF-332 (250 mg/kg, twice daily) completely protected the animals against intranasal infection with the beta (B.1.351) and delta (B.1.617.2) SARS-CoV-2 variants. Moreover, treatment of SARS-CoV-2 (B.1.617.2) infected animals with PF-332 completely prevented transmission to untreated co-housed sentinels. There is an urgent need for anti-virals targeting SARS-CoV-2. One of the most promising viral targets is the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, which is essential for viral replication and has no human analogue. Here, Abdelnabi et al. show that one of the most promising anti-virals (PF-07321332), currently in clinical trials, protects against SARS-CoV-2 alpha, beta and delta variant infection and provide evidence of reduced transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rana Abdelnabi
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Global Virus Network, GVN, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Caroline S Foo
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Global Virus Network, GVN, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dirk Jochmans
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Global Virus Network, GVN, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Laura Vangeel
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.,Global Virus Network, GVN, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steven De Jonghe
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Patrick Augustijns
- KU Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Drug Delivery & Disposition, Box 921, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raf Mols
- KU Leuven, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Drug Delivery & Disposition, Box 921, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Birgit Weynand
- KU Leuven Department of Imaging and Pathology, Translational Cell and Tissue Research, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thanaporn Wattanakul
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Richard M Hoglund
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Joel Tarning
- Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Peter Sjö
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fanny Escudié
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ivan Scandale
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Eric Chatelain
- Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Johan Neyts
- KU Leuven Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Laboratory of Virology and Chemotherapy, 3000, Leuven, Belgium. .,Global Virus Network, GVN, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nencka R, Silhan J, Klima M, Otava T, Kocek H, Krafcikova P, Boura E. Coronaviral RNA-methyltransferases: function, structure and inhibition. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:635-650. [PMID: 35018474 PMCID: PMC8789044 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkab1279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviral methyltransferases (MTases), nsp10/16 and nsp14, catalyze the last two steps of viral RNA-cap creation that takes place in cytoplasm. This cap is essential for the stability of viral RNA and, most importantly, for the evasion of innate immune system. Non-capped RNA is recognized by innate immunity which leads to its degradation and the activation of antiviral immunity. As a result, both coronaviral MTases are in the center of scientific scrutiny. Recently, X-ray and cryo-EM structures of both enzymes were solved even in complex with other parts of the viral replication complex. High-throughput screening as well as structure-guided inhibitor design have led to the discovery of their potent inhibitors. Here, we critically summarize the tremendous advancement of the coronaviral MTase field since the beginning of COVID pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radim Nencka
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Silhan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Klima
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Otava
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Hugo Kocek
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Krafcikova
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Evzen Boura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo nam. 2, 166 10 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
White JM, Schiffer JT, Bender Ignacio RA, Xu S, Kainov D, Ianevski A, Aittokallio T, Frieman M, Olinger GG, Polyak SJ. Drug Combinations as a First Line of Defense against Coronaviruses and Other Emerging Viruses. mBio 2021; 12:e0334721. [PMID: 34933447 PMCID: PMC8689562 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03347-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The world was unprepared for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and remains ill-equipped for future pandemics. While unprecedented strides have been made developing vaccines and treatments for COVID-19, there remains a need for highly effective and widely available regimens for ambulatory use for novel coronaviruses and other viral pathogens. We posit that a priority is to develop pan-family drug cocktails to enhance potency, limit toxicity, and avoid drug resistance. We urge cocktail development for all viruses with pandemic potential both in the short term (<1 to 2 years) and longer term with pairs of drugs in advanced clinical testing or repurposed agents approved for other indications. While significant efforts were launched against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in vitro and in the clinic, many studies employed solo drugs and had disappointing results. Here, we review drug combination studies against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses and introduce a model-driven approach to assess drug pairs with the highest likelihood of clinical efficacy. Where component agents lack sufficient potency, we advocate for synergistic combinations to achieve therapeutic levels. We also discuss issues that stymied therapeutic progress against COVID-19, including testing of agents with low likelihood of efficacy late in clinical disease and lack of focus on developing virologic surrogate endpoints. There is a need to expedite efficient clinical trials testing drug combinations that could be taken at home by recently infected individuals and exposed contacts as early as possible during the next pandemic, whether caused by a coronavirus or another viral pathogen. The approach herein represents a proactive plan for global viral pandemic preparedness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith M. White
- University of Virginia, Department of Cell Biology, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- University of Virginia, Department of Microbiology, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Joshua T. Schiffer
- University of Washington, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Rachel A. Bender Ignacio
- University of Washington, Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Shuang Xu
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Vaccine and Infectious Diseases Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Denis Kainov
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aleksandr Ianevski
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland, FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Oslo Centre for Biostatistics and Epidemiology (OCBE), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Matthew Frieman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Stephen J. Polyak
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| |
Collapse
|